RSU Honors 34 Nursing Graduates at Pinning Ceremony Dec. 13

Rogers State University honored its 41st graduating class of nurses – the university’s first fall cohort – at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony held Friday, Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church in Claremore.

Dr. Carla Lynch, associate dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, began the ceremony with the welcoming of students, guests and audience members, after which, RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor made opening remarks.

“What a great day today is – today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and commitment,” Rasor began. “Although I’ve never been through a nursing program, I know quite a few people who have, and they’ve all shared with me that there are difficulties going through the program.”

“But something else they all shared with me – every single one of them – was that there was always an instructor somewhere that helped get them through those low points,” he said. “Today, we’re here to celebrate your accomplishments.”

“You’ve chosen a field in which you’re going to go out and have an impact on people’s lives every day,” he said. “No doubt you’re prepared to tend to the physical needs of your patients, however, the knowledge and the skills combined with your kindness and empathy can have a positive impact on the people you serve. A kind word and a smile from someone in your position can encourage someone as they go through a very difficult time. With every person you touch, every challenge you face, you will make a difference.”

Following Rasor’s remarks, Samantha Rhea, assistant professor of nursing and undergraduate program coordinator, recognized Teresa Egleston as the recipient of the Clinical Adjunct Teaching Award.

Honor graduates were then acknowledged by Assistant Professor and MSN Coordinator Amber Sanchez, who recognized Sylvia Angote as the Fall 2024 Outstanding Nursing Graduate. Nursing Instructor Sheryl Klenovich recognized Callie Sellers as the Fall 2024 Distinguished Nursing Graduate.

Nursing pins were then presented to graduating nurses by assistant professors Tonya Ballone, Dr. Cassandra Barrow and LeeAnn Sipes.

Fall 2024 nursing graduates included Muna Adhikari, Alyissa Harry, Meagan Ready, Sylvia Angote, Brooklyn Hinton, Sara Rowan, Sarah Ball, Audrey Jackson, Callie Sellers, Isabela Barbosa, Sasha Lowther, Viktoriia Smith, Kolby Bauer, Ashlyn Lundholm, Bailee Tabor, Addison Beck, Layne Mannon, Yee Thao, Audrey Bedford, Carlee Marcum, Darcy Tolbert, Haley Eckert, Faith Melton, Laura VanCleave, Amaka Etumudor, Carli Mettry, Jordan Walker, Lauren Fisher, Parker Minick, April Warren, Cassie Fleming, Amira Pendergraff, Mai Yang and Desiree Queen.

Following the presentation of pins, Nursing Instructor Caitlyn Thomas led the graduates in the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, in which, the group pledged to practice their profession faithfully, do all in their power to maintain and elevate the standards of the nursing profession, and to dedicate themselves to the welfare of those committed to their care.

Lynch then congratulated the newly pinned nurses and wished them much success in their chosen profession and in life.

For more information about Rogers State University’s nursing program, visit www.rsu.edu/nursing.

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